My aim is to fundraise in order to buy fabric to teach the girls and women of Bunono Primary School how to sew their own reusable sanitary pads. This is in order to support the charity created by Marlyn Somers over 20 years ago - Uganda Aid Person to Person. The charity sponsors a number of children through their education at Bunono Primary school in Southwest Uganda. Education in Uganda is not free.
I want to say a huge thank you to those of you who supported the project in 2019 and 2022. I am returning to Uganda in May in order to continue the project - albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
Period poverty is an enduring issue throughout low income communities in Africa, with many women not able to afford to buy period products for themselves. Many women don't have enough money to put food on the table, let alone buy pads.
Along with the sewing classes, I hope to be able to provide lessons on the biology of periods to all genders in Bunono Primary school, with the aim of banishing myths and reducing the stigma. There is still a great deal of shame attached with periods, and a lack of understanding regarding the physiology of menstruation.
After the last two trips in 2019 and 2022 I now have an established method for sewing these pads (which I have tried and used myself with success). They do require a specialised lightweight, waterproof material called PUL, which I will need to purchase in the UK. As far as I know it is not easily available in Uganda. I have a spare 23kg suitcase which I will fill with fabric and bring over with me.
I am very grateful for any donations big or small which will help me purchase this fabric and make the project a success.
Thank you,
Charlotte xx